Found this unique RV. It was built by a professional aircraft designer David Peterson in late 50s, he designed this RV when he could not bring his boat along during the RVing season, because pulling a trailer. Then when the Corvair appeared on the market in 1959, he booked one to be taken to a large garage he rented previously, and four months later the first Ultra Van was born.
In this creation a Corvair has evolved into a class A motorhome with about 3,000 pounds for weight, 22 feet long, 8 feet wide with full 6’2″ stand-up headroom, yet it’s only 8′ tall overall. It has all the usual amenities of a Class A RV, including a large bedroom in the back, full galley, bathroom, etc. Finally David Peterson can bring the boat when the RVing season arrives.
Like an airplane that was built as a true monococque structure, the Ultra Van has no chassis, constructed with aluminum ribs covered with riveted sheet aluminum on the top and sides. The aerodynamic front and rear caps are fiberglass, and those bumpers are made of foam.
As you’ve seen here is a mass production version of the Ultra Van in limited quantities by Ultra Inc. reportedly only about 376 ever built ended in 1970, and this one of them released in 1968 being offered for sale in Carigslist looking for $21900 located in San Diego, California. It could be a remarkable example of the rare Ultra Van still in exist today.
Ultra Van Specifications:
22′ long 8′ wide 8′ 8″ high, 3,400 lbs.
Covair power train- 2speed hydromantic transmission 3.68 differential.
Rebuilt 110hp. Air cooled engine.
Fresh water 4 gallon tank with pump, drinkable.
Fresh water tank 30 gallon, for dish washing and showers.
Carburetor water injector system.
Trailer hitch 1500# rated.
Alternator heavy duty.
New Attwood 6 gallon gas water heater.
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